One-touch group communication device control

ABSTRACT

One-touch transmission and one-touch silencing of a wearable group communication device utilize an end user device body and face that can be moved relative to one another in one or more simple, single-motion actions. One-touch audio transmission is enabled after an end user device is activated to enable communications. Depressing the end user device face relative to the end user device body enables audio transmission. While the face is in its depressed position audio can be transmitted. To cease audio transmission the face is released. One-touch audio silencing of an activated end user device can be performed by rotating the face relative to the body to silence audio broadcast.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/487,253, filed on Apr. 13, 2017, entitled “ONE-TOUCH GROUPCOMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL,” which claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/321,798, entitled“ONE-TOUCH GROUP COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL,” filed 13 Apr. 2016. Eachpatent application identified above (including any appendices thereto)is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure are related to communications and, inparticular, to end user devices and applications for efficientcommunications.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Various devices permit linking one communication device to another topermit communications between the devices. In some communicationsystems, an endpoint device in a communication system can be an end userdevice that allows a user to communicate with other endpoint devices(e.g., in some systems via one or more intermediate communicationdevices and a communication network or the like). For example, awearable end user device can be linked to an intermediate communicationdevice (e.g., a cellphone, smartphone, gaming device, tablet, laptop)that in turn is connected to a communication network that permits a userof the end user device to communicate verbally or otherwise with otherdevices connected to the network. When a user is wearing an end userdevice it can be inconvenient, and in some case, dangerous to requirethe user to perform multiple steps to transmit audio and/or to silencethe end user device. Some communication devices require a user toperform multiple steps with a graphical user interface or other userinterface that may not be practical or even possible for a user toperform in some settings.

As a result, it would be advantageous to facilitate enabling audiotransmission and to facilitate end user device silencing using one-touchtransmission and one-touch silencing in a manner that is simple andreliable for users and that assists the user in operating the end userdevice.

OVERVIEW

Implementations of one-touch transmission and one-touch silencing of awearable group communication device utilize an end user device body andface that can be moved relative to one another in one or more simpleactions. One-touch audio transmission is enabled after an end userdevice is activated to enable communications (e.g., with other end userdevices in a group in one non-limiting example). Depressing a face ofthe end user device relative to the end user device's body enables audiotransmission. While the face is in its depressed position audio can betransmitted. To cease audio transmission the face is released. One-touchaudio silencing of an activated end user device can be performed byrotating the face relative to the body to silence audio broadcast. Someimplementations provide a simple activation/silencing function andtalk/no-talk function using one linear displacement axis of motion ofthe face relative to the body and one rotational displacement axis ofmotion of the face relative to the body. In some implementations thelinear displacement axis and rotational displacement axis can be thesame axis.

This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the TechnicalDisclosure. It may be understood that this Overview is not intended toidentify or emphasize key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. While several implementations are describedin connection with these drawings, the disclosure is not limited to theimplementations disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is tocover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates one or more exemplary systems configured tofacilitate communications between end user devices.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an end user device configured to implementone-touch transmission and/or one-touch silencing of the end userdevice.

FIG. 2B is a top view of an end user device configured to implementone-touch transmission and/or one-touch silencing of the end userdevice.

FIG. 2C is a side view of an end user device configured to implementone-touch transmission and/or one-touch silencing of the end userdevice.

FIG. 2D is a side view of an end user device configured to implementone-touch transmission and/or one-touch silencing of the end userdevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates one or more methods of operating a communicationsystem.

FIG. 4 illustrates one or more methods of operating a communicationsystem.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computing architecture of one or more components ofa wearable group communication system including end user devices thatprovide one-touch transmission and one-touch silencing.

FIG. 6A illustrates operation of a communication node.

FIG. 6B illustrates operation of a communication node.

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE

The following description and associated figures teach the best mode ofthe invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. Thefollowing claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that someaspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the inventionas specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thefeatures described below can be combined in various ways to formmultiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is notlimited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claimsand their equivalents.

Some implementations of one-touch transmission and one-touch silencingare used in a communication system that allows wearable groupcommunication end user devices to communicate with one another via theirrespective intermediate communication devices and a communicationnetwork. Such systems connect each end user device to its associatedintermediate communication device. Each such intermediate communicationdevice is connected to a network that then allows communications betweenand among members of a group that is made up of two or more end userdevices.

Unlike prior communication devices such as cellphones, smartphones,gaming devices, tablets, laptops and the like that require multiple-stepinteraction between a user and the communication device to either enabletransmission of audio from a user (e.g., capturing and/or collectingacoustic signals such as speaking) and that require multiple-stepinteraction between the user and the communication device to silence thecommunication device, implementations of one-touch transmission andone-touch silencing only require a single gesture or other motion by theuser. In some implementations one-touch transmission is enabled bydepressing a communication device face during transmission. In someimplementations one-touch silencing is enabled by rotating thecommunication device face to silence the communication device. In someimplementations using simple one-touch functions acting on differentaxes of motion (e.g., a linear motion axis between an end user deviceface and body and a rotational motion axis between an end user deviceface and body), the one-touch silencing and one-touch transmissionfunctions can be combined in a single end user device. In someimplementations the linear axis of motion and rotational axis of motioncan be the same axis (e.g., being collinear, for example where axis 124Cand axis 126A/B are the same or collinear using the implementation ofend user device 190 in FIGS. 2A-2D). This simple user interface with acommunication device also makes the device safer to use in many settingsand adaptable for use in settings in which a more complex user interfacewould make a communication device impractical. In some implementations auser will know that a linear displacement of the end user device facerelative to the device's body will enable talking or other audiotransmission while rotational displacement of the face relative to thebody can be use to activate (i.e., enable audio transmission) andsilence the device (e.g., disabling a speaker or the like on the enduser device).

FIG. 1 illustrates one or more implementations of a communication system100 configured to facilitate, among other things, audio communicationsbetween endpoint devices on a communications network. System 100includes communication node 104 (which includes endpoint end user device110 and its linked intermediate communication device 130 (also referredto as a computing system)), communication node 106 (which includesendpoint end user device 160 and its linked intermediate communicationdevice 150 (also referred to as a computing system)), and communicationnetwork 140 linking nodes 104, 106. An additional communication node 108(associated with a user 101), comprising an end user device 190 coupledto an intermediate communication device 195, also is shown connected tonetwork 140. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,additional nodes, endpoint devices, end user devices and intermediatecommunication devices can be interconnected via communication network140.

Intermediate communication device 130 (also referred to as an “ICD,”which can be a computing system such as a cellphone, smartphone, gamingdevice, tablet or laptop) in communication node 104 communicates withits associated end user device 110 over a communication link 142 (e.g.,Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy), and further communicates outsidenode 104 using communication network 140 over one or more communicationnetwork links 144. ICD 150 (which can be a computing system such as acellphone, smartphone, gaming device, tablet or laptop) in communicationnode 106 also communicates with its associated end user device 160 usinga communication link 142, and further communicates outside node 106using communication network 140 over communication network link 144. ICD195 (which can be a computing system such as a cellphone, smartphone,gaming device, tablet or laptop) in communication node 108 alsocommunicates with its associated end user device 190 using acommunication link 142, and further communicates outside node 108 usingcommunication network 140 over communication network link 144.

Links 142 can be used to link an end user device with its associatedintermediate communication device using communication linking. Thecommunication link 144 that connects intermediate communication device130 to communication network 140 can use one or more of Time DivisionMultiplexing (TDM), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), IP, Ethernet,synchronous optical networking (SONET), hybrid fiber-coax (HFC),circuit-switched, communication signaling, wireless communications, orsome other communication format, including improvements thereof. Links144 connecting intermediate communication devices 150, 195 to network140 operate similarly. Communication links 144 each use metal, glass,optical, air, space, or some other material as the transport media andmay each be a direct link, or can include intermediate networks, systems(including one or more management service systems), or devices, and caninclude a logical network link transported over multiple physical links.

Each ICD 130, 150, 195 may comprise a cellphone, smartphone, gamingdevice, tablet, computer, or some other computing system capable ofrunning a communication application and communicating withcommunications network 140 using the Internet or some other widespreadcommunication network. Each of ICDs 130, 150 includes at least one userinterface that allows a user to enter data and interact withcommunication application 135, 155, respectively. ICD 195 operatessimilarly, though its communication application is not shown in FIG. 1.When transmitting and receiving data, ICDs 130, 150, 195 and the likecan use an appropriate data transfer scheme (including, but not limitedto encryption, for example).

Communications network 140 can comprise a server system utilizing one ormore computing devices capable of providing communication services to aplurality of communication nodes and their respective endpoint devices,such as end user devices 110, 160, 190. End user devices 110, 160, 190(also referred to as “EUDs” and/or computing systems) may each comprisea speaker, microphone, processing system, communication interface, and auser interface to exchange communications with ICDs 130, 150, 195,respectively, and thus with communications network 140 and otherendpoint devices of various types.

The endpoint devices of network 140 include EUDs 110, 160, 195, each ofwhich can be a highly portable (e.g., wearable) communication device.One non-limiting example of EUD device 190 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.Device 190 has a face 111 that can be generally circular in shape, asshown in FIG. 2A, or can be any other shape. In the non-limiting exampleof FIGS. 2A-2D, end user device 190 uses the generally circular shape tofacilitate certain operations and to permit the positioning of certainfunctions and components, which also can be performed and implemented inalternative ways in other configurations. Device 190 includes agenerally cylindrical body 107 and face 111 can be slightly convex(e.g., having a quasi-conical shape or a cup-like shape). Because of thesimplified controls disclosed herein, device 190 can be smaller and morecompact than earlier personal communication devices. For example, device190 can have a diameter of between 1 and 3 inches and be 0.5 to 1 inchthick, making wearing or otherwise attaching device 190 to a user 101 oruser's personal accessory (e.g., a backpack strap) easier, in additionto simplifying the device's operation.

Body 107 has an attachment mechanism 109 (e.g., a clip or clasp) mountedthereon to permit attachment of device 190 to clothing, a backpack, abag strap or another personal item that facilitates a user'sconversation with other users while wearing device 190. Variousfunctional components of EUD 190 can be situated around the periphery ofbody 107, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2D. A master power switch 112 can turndevice 190 master power on and off (as distinguished from silencingdevice 190 and/or enabling sound transmission by device 190, asdiscussed herein). A speaker 114 is built in to body 107, as is amicrophone 116, each of a type and size that again facilitates andenables conversation by a user wearing device 190. A volume control 118permits adjustment of the sound level generated by speaker 114 (e.g.,lowering sound level by depressing one end—such as the “−” end—ofcontrol 118 and increasing sound level by depressing another end—such asthe “+” end). Other components and/or features (e.g., a micro and/orother Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, charging port and/or headphonejack) can also be positioned around the periphery of device 190.

Face 111 (which also can be considered and/or referred to as a cover)can be made of plastic or any other suitable material(s) and includes anoptical display 122 which in FIGS. 2A-2D is an LED or other light array.In other implementations, the optical display on face 111 can be asticker, label or decal applied to face 111. LED array 122 operates asdescribed in various implementations of one-touch silencing andone-touch transmission discussed herein. Face 111 is attached to body107 in a manner that permits limited rotation of face 111 relative tobody 107, as referenced by arrow 124 in FIGS. 2A-2D (e.g., using acylindrical mounting member 127 or the like). Likewise, face 111 ismounted to body 107 in a depressible configuration that permits limiteddisplacement and depression of face 111 relative to body 107, asreferenced by arrow 126 in FIGS. 2A-2D (e.g., again using cylindricalmounting member 127 or the like).

In operation in some implementations, including one or more illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the master device power is turned on for EUD 190(e.g., using master power switch 112). Initially the optical display 122is in the position shown in FIG. 2A. In the non-limiting example of FIG.2A, this has the linear LED array 122 pointing generally toward thecenter of loop 109 as a housing marker (although any external marker onbody 107 can be used for convenience, such as a power control button,headphones jack or easily-viewable marking). When a user wishes to usedevice 190 for communicating (e.g., via an intermediate communicationdevice 195 of FIG. 1 in one non-limiting example), face 111 is rotatedabout axis 124C as indicated by arrow 124A relative to body 107 (e.g.,from the position illustrated in FIG. 2A to the position illustrated inFIG. 2B, pointing the LED array 122 toward a second housing marker suchas one end of loop 109) which puts EUD 190 in its “active” mode. Opticaldisplay 122 can be used to confirm successful switching to the activemode (e.g., by providing a single-color LED animation in onenon-limiting example). Once the user knows that EUD 190 is in activemode, selective audio transmission can begin. Initially the face 111 isin the position illustrated in FIG. 2C. Face 111 is depressed downwardrelative to body 107 as indicated by arrows 126A. When face 111 is inits depressed position (illustrated in the non-limiting example of FIG.2D), EUD 190 is in “transmit” mode so that acoustic signals picked up bymicrophone 116 are transmitted from EUD 190 to other users (e.g., usingintermediate communication devices 130, 150 and network 140 in FIG. 1 inone non-limiting example). When the face 111 returns to its raisedposition relative to body 107 as indicated by arrow 126B of FIG. 2D,audio transmission by EUD 190 ceases (e.g., by ceasing the collection ofaudio data by EUD 190).

If during use a user wants to silence EUD 190, then one-touch silencingcan be implemented by rotating face 111 relative to body 107. In onenon-limiting example this is done by reversing the rotation noted abovewith regard to FIGS. 2A and 2B, so that the optical display 122 movesclockwise from the position illustrated in FIG. 2B to the positionillustrated in FIG. 2A, for example as illustrated by arrow 124B andaxis 124C of FIG. 2B. Again, when an LED or other light or array isused, display 122 can confirm successful switching to the silent mode(e.g., by providing a single-color LED animation in one non-limitingexample, here having the color differing from that used to indicatesuccessful activation).

Referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 of one-touch audio transmission isshown, for example using an end user device such as EUD 190 of FIGS. 1and 2A-2D in one non-limiting example. The description below referencesoperations of FIG. 3 parenthetically. As described in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, an EUD 190 can be powered up (310). The EUD 190 isthen activated (315) to enable communications (e.g., with other end userdevices in a group in one non-limiting example). Activation can beaccomplished in some implementations using a single rotational motion,as described herein. Depressing face 111 relative to body 107 initiatesaudio transmission (320). In some implementations a confirmation signal(e.g., an audio tone, a blinking light, haptic vibration) can begenerated (322) by device 190 to let the user know that audiotransmission is activated and that voice and other sound is now beingtransmitted to other users. While the face 111 is in its depressedposition audio is transmitted (325). To cease audio transmission theface 111 is released (330). Optionally method 300 can return to step(320) to re-initiate audio transmissions if desired. While the face isin its raised position, the EUD may be in a receive mode to permitreceipt of incoming audio data from other EUDs in a communication groupto which EUD 190 belongs.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method 400 of one-touch audio silencing is shown,for example using an end user device such as EUD 190 of FIGS. 1 and2A-2D in one non-limiting example. The description below referencesoperations of FIG. 4 parenthetically. As described in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, an EUD 190 can be powered up (410). The EUD 190 isthen activated (415) to enable communications (e.g., with other end userdevices in a group in one non-limiting example). Activation can beaccomplished in some implementations using a single rotational motion,as described herein. In some implementations a confirmation signal(e.g., an audio tone, a blinking light, haptic vibration) can begenerated (417) by device 190 to let the user know that EUD 190 isactive. Audio communications may then be sent and/or received (420). Tosilence the EUD 190, face 111 is rotated (425) relative to body 107. Insome implementations a silencing confirmation signal (e.g., an audiotone, a blinking light, haptic vibration) can be generated (427) bydevice 190 to let the user know that audio broadcast has been silenced.Audio broadcast can optionally be re-enabled (415) by again activatingEUD 190 by rotating face 111. When silenced, the EUD 190 can generate ahaptic signal through the body 107 and/or face 111 or can generate a(blinking) light pulsation signal (e.g., via an LED array 122) in lieuof audio broadcast, thus allowing a user to know when another groupmember is transmitting audio data.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computing architecture 500 (or “computing system”)to implement the communication systems, devices, apparatus and processesin the Figures and/or described herein (non-limiting examples of whichinclude the end user devices and intermediate communication devices).Computing architecture 500 is representative of a computing architecturethat may be employed in an intermediate communication device such asICDs 130, 150, 195, or in any computing apparatus, system, or device, orcollections thereof, to suitably implement one or more of the systems,devices, apparatus and processes in the Figures. Computing architecture500 comprises network communication interface 501, limited-rangecommunication interface 502, user interface 503, and processing system504. Processing system 504 is communicatively linked to communicationinterfaces 501, 502 and user interface 503. Processing system 504includes processing circuitry 505 and memory device 506 that storesoperating software 507 (including communication application 535).

Network communication interface 501 comprises components thatcommunicate over network and related communication links (e.g.,including those extending outside a communication node), such as networkcards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, orsome other communication devices. Network communication interface 501may be configured to communicate over metallic, wireless, or opticallinks. Network communication interface 501 also may be configured to useTDM, IP, Ethernet, optical networking, wireless protocols, communicationsignaling, or some other communication format—including combinationsthereof. Limited-range communication interface 502 comprises componentsthat communicate using a limited-range channel (e.g., Bluetooth lowenergy). User interface 503 comprises components that permit userinteraction with computing architecture 500. User interface 503 caninclude a touchscreen, keyboard, display screen, voice commandapparatus, mouse, touch pad, and/or other user input/output apparatus.

Processing circuitry 505 comprises microprocessor and other circuitrythat retrieves and executes operating software 507 from memory device506. Memory device 506 comprises a non-transitory storage medium, suchas a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some othermemory apparatus. Operating software 507 comprises computer programs,firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processinginstructions. Operating software 507 may include any number of softwaremodules to provide the communication operations described herein.Operating software 507 may further include an operating system,utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other typeof software. When executed by circuitry 505, operating software 507directs processing system 504 to operate computing architecture 500 asdescribed herein to provide one or more implementations of opticalsymbol sequence communication linking and other communications. Alsoconnected to the processing system 504 and interfaces 501, 502 in someimplementations is a display system 531 (which may be the same orincluded in the user interface 503).

In some implementations, each end user device can be implemented in ahalf-duplex type of operational mode. That is, a device in acommunication node linked to a communication group or the like cantransmit and receive, but cannot do both at the same time. A“push-to-talk” operational mode (e.g., as described herein with regardto a one-touch audio transmission implementation) allows an end user toutilize a transmit toggle or the like (e.g., by pushing and holding face111 of device 190 as depicted by arrows 126A and 126B in FIGS. 2C and2D) to initiate and terminate sending a voice communication to one ormore users in the communication group. While the toggle is in its“transmit” position (e.g., with face 111 depressed), the end user deviceis configured to collect acoustic signals and convert them to audio datafrom the user (e.g., recording voice communications). This can be donein a variety of ways. The collected audio data can be held in the enduser device or in a linked intermediate communication device (e.g., asmartphone, cellphone, gaming device, tablet, or laptop). When thetoggle is switched back to its “receive” position, any collected audiodata is transmitted to the one or more communication group members. Thecollected audio data can be transmitted using any appropriatetransmission scheme. In one non-limiting example discussed below, audiodata collected by an end user device can be transmitted to its linkedintermediate communication device (e.g., via one of the Bluetoothmodes). Likewise, audio data collected by an intermediate communicationdevice can be send over a broader network using any appropriatecommunication protocol or scheme.

In one implementation, a non-limiting example of which is illustrated inFIG. 6A, a communication node 604 includes an end user device 690 thathas a microphone 616 configured to collect audio data from a human user.As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the end user device 690 begins storing thecollected audio data in a memory location 684. This audio datacollection process continues until the a push-to-talk button on end userdevice 690 is released (i.e., the END signal in FIG. 6A). Someadditional processing 691 may be performed by end user device 690 beforethe collected audio data is transmitted at 642 to an intermediatecommunication device 695 that also is part of communication node 804.Again, some additional processing 635 may be performed by ICD 697 beforeit transmits at 644 the audio data to one or more additionalcommunication group members via communication network 640. In someimplementations, multiple members of a group can be collecting audiodata, though while an EUD 690 or the like is collecting such audio data(i.e., while the push-to-talk button is in its transmit position) theICD 695 and/or EUD 690 cannot play back audio data received from anotheruser.

In another non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6B, it is the intermediatecommunication device 695 that stores the collected audio data before itis transmitted via network 640. The end user device 690 may processaudio data collected from a user prior to transmission at 643 to the ICD695 (e.g., the collected audio data may be encrypted, buffered to permiterror correction, assembled into packets, etc.). The intermediatecommunication device 695 builds the audio data until the push-to-talkbutton on the EUD 690 is switched back to receive, at which point theICD 695 can transmit the collected audio data to network 640 and thus toone or more communication group members or the like.

The included descriptions and figures depict specific implementations toteach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best option. Forthe purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspectshave been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from these implementations that fall within thescope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciatethat the features described above can be combined in various ways toform multiple implementations. As a result, the invention is not limitedto the specific implementations described above, but only by the claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a housingcomprising: a body comprising a speaker and a microphone; and a covercoupled to the body, wherein the cover extends to cover substantiallyall of an upper portion of the body; wherein the cover is rotatablerelative to the body between a first position and a second position;further wherein bidirectional communication using the speaker andmicrophone is enabled when the cover is in the first position andfurther wherein at least the speaker is silenced when the cover is inthe second position.
 2. The communication device of claim 1 furtherwherein the communication device provides a confirmation signal when thecover is rotated from one position to the other.
 3. The communicationdevice of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises an optical display,wherein the optical display presents a first visually perceptibleconfirmation when the cover is in the first position and a secondvisually perceptible confirmation when the cover is in the secondposition.
 4. The communication device of claim 3 wherein optical displaycomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and furtherwherein each visually perceptible confirmation comprises a colored LEDanimation.
 5. The communication device of claim 1 wherein thecommunication device generates a haptic signal when the cover is in thesecond position in lieu of audio that would otherwise be broadcast. 6.The communication device of claim 3 wherein the optical display ispositioned on the cover so that the optical display points to a firsthousing marker when the cover is in the first position and furtherwherein the optical display points to a second housing marker when thecover is in the second position.
 7. The communication device of claim 6further comprising an attachment mechanism; wherein the first housingmarker is a first portion of the attachment mechanism and furtherwherein the second housing marker is a second portion of the attachmentmechanism.
 8. A communication device comprising: a housing comprising: abody comprising a speaker and a microphone; and a cover coupled to thebody, wherein the cover is movable relative to the body between a raisedposition relative to the body and a depressed position relative to thebody and further wherein the cover extends to cover substantially all ofan upper portion of the body; wherein the device is enabled to collectand transmit audio data when the cover is in the depressed positionrelative to the body and further wherein the microphone is disabled fromcollecting and transmitting audio data when the cover is in the raisedposition relative to the body.
 9. The communication device of claim 8wherein further wherein the communication device provides a confirmationsignal when the cover moved between the raised and depressed positions.10. The communication device of claim 8 wherein the cover comprises anoptical display, wherein the optical display presents a first visuallyperceptible confirmation when the cover is in the raised position and asecond visually perceptible confirmation when the cover is in thedepressed position.
 11. The communication device of claim 10 whereinoptical display comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)and further wherein each visually perceptible confirmation comprises acolored LED animation.
 12. An endpoint communication device comprising:a housing comprising: a body comprising a speaker and a microphone; acover coupled to the body, wherein the cover extends to coversubstantially all of an upper portion of the body; and wherein theendpoint communication device is configured to be linked to anintermediate communication device to comprise a communication nodeenabling communications to and from the endpoint communication device;wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the body between a firstposition and a second position about a rotational motion axis extendinglinearly through the body and the cover; further wherein the cover isdepressible relative to the body between a raised position and adepressed position along a linear motion axis extending linearly throughthe body and the cover; further wherein bidirectional communicationusing the speaker and microphone is enabled when the cover is in thefirst position and further wherein at least the speaker is silenced whenthe cover is in the second position; and further wherein the device isenabled to collect and transmit audio data when the cover is in thedepressed position and further wherein the microphone is disabled fromcollecting and transmitting audio data when the cover is in the raisedposition.
 13. The communication device of claim 12 further wherein thecommunication device provides a confirmation signal when the cover isrotated from one position to the other.
 14. The communication device ofclaim 12 wherein the cover comprises an optical display, wherein theoptical display presents a first visually perceptible confirmation whenthe cover is in the first position and a second visually perceptibleconfirmation when the cover is in the second position.
 15. Thecommunication device of claim 14 wherein optical display comprises oneor more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and further wherein each visuallyperceptible confirmation comprises a colored LED animation.
 16. Thecommunication device of claim 12 wherein the communication devicegenerates a haptic or light pulsation signal when the cover is in thesecond position in lieu of audio that would otherwise be broadcast. 17.The communication device of claim 13 wherein the confirmation signalcomprises one of the following: an audio tone, a blinking light, or ahaptic vibration.
 18. The communication device of claim 12 wherein theintermediate communication device comprises one of the following: acellphone, a smartphone, a gaming device, a tablet or a laptop.
 19. Thecommunication device of claim 12 further wherein the communicationdevice provides an audible signal when the cover is moved to itsdepressed position.
 20. The communication device of claim 12 wherein therotational motion axis and the linear motion axis are collinear.